From GMM

Despite earlier disputing claims Felipe Massa will make his return to the cockpit of a F1 car after the forthcoming weekend, Ferrari now admits the Brazilian could be ready for his run in the two-year-old F2007 next Monday.

In a statement of support this week, Sir Frank Williams revealed that stewards at Suzuka last weekend gave the famous Italian team clearance for Massa's October 12 test at Fiorano.

A spokesman initially denied the date, but Ferrari now admits: "Early next week, maybe already on Monday, Felipe will finally get back on the track in a real formula one single seater".

Massa, 28, has been at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters since Monday, racking up hours in the driver simulator at nearby Modena, alongside his engineer Rob Smedley.

The activity sparked rumours Massa might attempt a return to racing action next weekend at Interlagos, but it is believed a more realistic early target is the 2009 finale at Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari has confirmed that the driver, seriously injured in a qualifying crash in July, will be Fernando Alonso's full time teammate in 2010.

The team said: "On Friday he (Massa) will fly to Paris for check-ups under the eyes of the FIA, before he will come back to Italy."